rfalconcam - FalconWatch

FalconWatch

Eyes to the Skies

Wednesday Late Afternoon Falcon Watch – 5/15/13

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

I arrived downtown at my usual time around 3:50 pm.  1st stop the Broad St Bridge (BSB).  The sun was shining, but dark, threatening clouds were approaching from the northwest and the winds were gusting strongly.  Thankfully those dark clouds never made it downtown, and I was able to enjoy a very warm, sunny, but windy afternoon watch.  When I left work, it was 81 degrees (F)!

I parked in the middle of the bridge facing west, where I had the best view of the surrounding area.  From there I could see all the “falcon” spots.  I checked all over and could not find any falcons.  A big thanks to Donna and Ei for letting me know that Beauty was in the nest box.  Dot.ca was no where to be found, so I decided to head over to the BS location to see if he might be there with Pigott.

The traffic was heavy today, so it took me a bit longer to get over there, arriving at about 4:15 pm.  I only had to go around to the south side of the building to find Pigott.  She was on a east facing window on the SW extension.

Pigott at BS 5/15/13Pigott at BS - 5/15/13*

*

*

*

*

She didn’t stay long, so I’m glad I got there when I did.  She vocalized a loud KEEEE! and then took off heading southeast.  She flew over me and over the wooded area before I lost sight of her.  She was not in any hurry.  When she didn’t return, I headed back downtown.  Parking in the middle of the Broad St Bridge.

Again, I could find no falcons.  I knew that Beauty was in the nest box.  Where was Dot.ca?

I spent my time watching all the birds that called the Genesee River their home at this time of year.  There were 100’s of swallows/swifts skimming the water below and flying high above, looking for insects.  Some of them would skim over the surrounding buildings.  They are fascinating to watch.  Also, there were lots of mallards on the river and flying all over.  Some were in pairs and others seemed to be groups of males hanging out.  Pigeons were landing on the rocks below to drink the water and bathe.  Life on the river has gotten quite lively!   So much to see there when there are no falcons to watch.  Never a dull moment.

Pigeons on the River - 5/15/13Mallards flying over the river - Duck! - 5/15/13Duck Fly by at Eye Level - 5/15/13*

*

*

*

*

Fellow Falcon Watcher Pat walked by on her way home and asked me if anything exciting was going on.  She caught me trying to take flight shots of the swallows, which is just about impossible to do.  But it’s good practice for falcon flight shots.  lol

It was going on 6:00 pm and I had to get going.  I was sorry that I hadn’t seen Dot.ca.

When I arrived home, I had a tweet from Ei.  Just after I left, there was a shift change at the nest box.  Beauty came out at 6:00 pm and Dot.ca went in to take his turn brooding the eggs.  I just knew he was going to do that.  🙂  So, all three Rochester Falcons were accounted for this afternoon.  Love when that happens!

Here are a few pictures of the shift change at the nest box at 6:00 pm.

From the RFalconcam Main Camera

Beauty Came Out of the NB at 6:00 pm - 5/15/13The Eggs Were Alone for Just a Moment - 5/15/13Dot.ca's Turn on the Eggs - 5/15/13

2 Responses to “Wednesday Late Afternoon Falcon Watch – 5/15/13”

  1. WLABarb Says:

    Carol I’m always impressed by your photos of birds in flight. There were swallows/swifts where I was today. No way could I keep up with them! The weather reports you and MAK each gave today sound like you were in different parts of the country!

  2. Carol P. Says:

    Thanks Barb! I love to get those flight shots. and take-off shots. and poop shots. and…… 🙂


Sponsored By

Times Square
powered by Shakymon